How Many Calories Are in Butter Chicken vs. Tikka Masala?

Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of rich, flavorful dishes, with butter chicken and chicken tikka masala being two of the most beloved. But have you ever wondered, how many calories are in butter chicken vs. tikka masala? If you’re watching your diet, counting macros, or simply curious about which dish is healthier, this article will break it all down for you.

We’ll compare the calorie content, ingredients, and nutritional breakdown of both dishes while also exploring how different recipes and cooking methods can impact their calorie count. Whether you’re dining out, meal prepping, or just craving some Indian food, this guide will help you make a more informed choice.

Now, let’s start by understanding what these dishes are and why they are often compared.

Introduction to Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala

What Are Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala?

Butter chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a creamy, tomato-based curry that originated in India. It’s made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a buttery, spiced tomato sauce, typically enriched with heavy cream and ghee. The result? A rich, smooth, and slightly sweet dish that melts in your mouth.

On the other hand, chicken tikka masala is a British-Indian creation with a bolder, tangier flavor. It features marinated, grilled chicken chunks (tikka) simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce. Unlike butter chicken, tikka masala relies less on butter and cream, giving it a slightly lighter consistency with a smoky, charred essence from the grilled chicken.

Why Compare Their Caloric Content?

Both dishes are often served with naan, basmati rice, or parathas, making them a high-calorie indulgence. But does one dish pack more calories than the other? That’s where things get interesting. Since butter chicken contains more butter and cream, it’s often perceived as the heavier option. Meanwhile, tikka masala, despite having less fat, isn’t necessarily “low-calorie” due to its rich, tomato-based sauce and potential added sugars.

If you’re trying to pick the healthier option, knowing how many calories are in butter chicken vs. tikka masala can help you make smarter dietary choices.

General Popularity and Consumption Trends

Both dishes have taken the world by storm. Butter chicken remains a staple in Indian households and restaurants, while tikka masala is so popular in the UK that it’s been dubbed “Britain’s national dish.” Across North America, you’ll find both dishes on most Indian restaurant menus, often with slight variations depending on the chef’s recipe.

With their widespread appeal, it’s no surprise that people want to know which one is the healthier choice. Next, let’s dive into the nutritional breakdown of butter chicken.

Nutritional Breakdown of Butter Chicken

Calories in a Typical Serving

If you’re wondering, how many calories are in butter chicken vs tikka masala, you’ll find that butter chicken tends to be the more calorie-dense option. A standard serving (about 1 cup or 250 grams) of butter chicken can range from 438 to 600 calories, depending on the ingredients and preparation method. Some restaurant versions can even exceed 800 calories per serving when extra butter and cream are used.

But why is butter chicken so high in calories? Let’s break it down.

Macronutrient Breakdown: Fats, Proteins, and Carbs

Here’s a typical macronutrient profile for a 250g serving of butter chicken:

• Calories: 450–600 kcal
• Protein: 25–35g
• Fat: 30–45g
• Carbohydrates: 10–20g

The high fat content is mainly due to the use of butter, heavy cream, and ghee, making it a rich and creamy dish. It does contain a good amount of protein from the chicken, but the added fats push up the calorie count significantly. Carbohydrates come from the tomatoes and any added sugars in the sauce.

Ingredient Impact: How Butter, Cream, and Spices Affect Calories

The biggest contributors to the high-calorie content in butter chicken are:

• Butter and Ghee – These healthy fats add flavor but also significantly increase the calorie count.
• Heavy Cream – Just one tablespoon of heavy cream adds around 50 calories.
• Cashews or Almond Paste – Some recipes use nuts to enhance creaminess, further adding to the fat content.
• Tomato Base – While tomatoes are low in calories, many restaurant versions add sugar to balance acidity, which can contribute extra carbs.

How Cooking Methods Influence Caloric Content

Butter chicken is usually cooked using either:

1. Traditional stovetop simmering – This method often involves slow-cooking the chicken in a rich butter-cream sauce, making it higher in calories.
2. Low-fat alternatives – Some recipes substitute Greek yogurt or coconut milk instead of heavy cream to reduce fat content.

Homemade versions are typically lower in calories since you can control the amount of butter and cream used. But restaurant versions? They often pack more calories due to excess fat for enhanced flavor.

Now that we’ve explored butter chicken’s nutrition, let’s compare it with tikka masala.

Nutritional Breakdown of Tikka Masala

Calories in a Typical Serving

When comparing how many calories are in butter chicken vs tikka masala, tikka masala is generally lower in calories. A 250g serving usually contains 350 to 500 calories, but this can vary based on the ingredients used. Some homemade versions may have as few as 300 calories, while restaurant-style dishes can go over 600 calories due to added cream or oil.

So, does that make tikka masala the healthier choice? Let’s analyze its nutritional profile.

Macronutrient Breakdown: Fats, Proteins, and Carbs

For a 250g serving of chicken tikka masala, you can expect:

• Calories: 350–500 kcal
• Protein: 30–40g
• Fat: 15–30g
• Carbohydrates: 15–25g

Compared to butter chicken, tikka masala is often higher in protein and slightly lower in fat. However, it can contain more carbohydrates, depending on how much tomato sauce or sugar is added.

Ingredient Impact: Tomato-Based Sauce vs. Cream-Based Sauce

The main difference between butter chicken and tikka masala is the sauce. While butter chicken uses a rich butter-cream base, tikka masala relies on a spiced tomato-based sauce. Key ingredients include:

• Tomatoes & Onions – A staple in tikka masala, providing natural sugars and some carbohydrates.
• Yogurt Marinade – The chicken is often marinated in Greek yogurt and spices, which adds flavor without extra fat.
• Less Butter and Cream – Unlike butter chicken, many tikka masala recipes use only a small amount of cream or skip it entirely.
• Spices & Herbs – Garlic, ginger, cumin, and coriander enhance the dish without adding calories.

One thing to note: Some restaurant versions still add cream or butter to make the dish richer, which can significantly increase the calorie count.

How Cooking Methods Influence Caloric Content

Tikka masala is often cooked using grilled or roasted chicken, which reduces excess fat. The most common cooking styles include:

1. Grilled or Tandoori Chicken – Since the chicken is grilled before being added to the sauce, it contains less fat compared to the slow-cooked chicken in butter chicken.
2. Low-Fat Cooking Variations – Some recipes use low-fat yogurt instead of heavy cream to cut down on calories.

Homemade tikka masala is often healthier than restaurant versions, as it allows you to control the amount of oil, cream, or sugar used in the sauce.

Now that we’ve broken down both dishes, let’s put them side by side to see which one has the most calories.

Side-by-Side Calorie Comparison: Butter Chicken vs. Tikka Masala

Which One Has More Calories and Why?

When comparing how many calories are in butter chicken vs tikka masala, butter chicken is typically higher in calories due to its rich, buttery sauce. A 250g serving of butter chicken can contain 438 to 600 calories, while the same serving of tikka masala usually has 350 to 500 calories.

So, why is butter chicken more calorie-dense? The answer lies in its ingredients. The dish relies on butter, ghee, and heavy cream, which significantly increase fat content. In contrast, tikka masala has a tomato-based sauce with fewer creamy elements, reducing its overall fat content.

However, the actual calorie count can change based on the cooking method. Some versions of tikka masala include added cream, while certain butter chicken recipes use yogurt instead of cream to cut calories.

Variability in Recipes: Restaurant vs. Homemade Calories

The biggest factor affecting calorie content? Where you get your food from.

• Restaurant-style dishes tend to be higher in calories since they use more butter, oil, and cream for richer flavors.
• Homemade versions allow you to control ingredients, making it easier to reduce fat and calorie content.

For example, a low-calorie butter chicken recipe may use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, while a light tikka masala might skip extra oil or cream.

How Portion Sizes Affect Caloric Intake

Calorie counts are per serving, but most restaurant portions are larger than 250g. If you’re eating a double portion, you might consume over 1,000 calories in one meal! Pair that with naan or rice, and your calorie intake climbs even higher.

So, if you’re watching your diet, portion control is key. Now, let’s dive into which dish is the healthier option.

Health Considerations and Dietary Impact

Which Dish Is Healthier?

If you’re asking, how many calories are in butter chicken vs tikka masala, chances are you’re also wondering which dish is healthier. The answer? It depends.

• Butter chicken is higher in fat due to its buttery, creamy sauce. However, it has moderate carbs and a good amount of protein.
• Tikka masala tends to be lower in fat but may have more carbohydrates, depending on the amount of sugar or tomatoes in the sauce.

If you’re aiming for a low-fat meal, tikka masala is usually the better choice. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, butter chicken (without rice or naan) might be more suitable.

Ways to Reduce Calories in Both Dishes

Want to enjoy these dishes without overloading on calories? Here are some simple swaps:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Reduce butter or ghee in butter chicken.
• Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it in oil.
• Skip added sugar in tikka masala sauces.
• Control portion sizes by eating smaller servings with salad instead of naan or rice.

Best Alternatives for a Healthier Indian Meal

If you love these dishes but want healthier Indian options, try:

• Tandoori chicken – Marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled.
• Chickpea curry (Chana Masala) – High in protein and fiber.
• Palak Paneer – Spinach-based, packed with nutrients.

For more insights on making butter chicken healthier, check out this article: “Is Butter Chicken Healthy?”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Butter Chicken Always Higher in Calories Than Tikka Masala?

Not always! While butter chicken is typically higher in fat and calories due to its creamy sauce, tikka masala can also be calorie-dense, depending on the recipe. Some tikka masala versions include cream, butter, or extra oil, which can raise the calorie count to match or even surpass butter chicken.

If you’re wondering, how many calories are in butter chicken vs tikka masala, the answer depends on the ingredients and portion size. A homemade, low-fat butter chicken can be healthier than a restaurant-style tikka masala loaded with oil and sugar.

Can You Make Low-Calorie Versions of These Dishes?

Yes! Here’s how to make them healthier:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Reduce butter or ghee and opt for olive oil instead.
• Skip added sugar in tikka masala to lower carbs.
• Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it.

Which Dish Is Better for Weight Loss?

If you’re on a weight-loss plan, tikka masala might be the better choice if made without added cream or sugar. However, if you’re on a low-carb diet, butter chicken (without rice or naan) could be the better option due to its higher fat and protein content.

How Do Different Cooking Oils Affect Caloric Content?

Using ghee or butter adds more calories compared to olive or avocado oil. If you’re looking to cut calories, consider air-frying or grilling the chicken instead of frying it in oil.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

So, how many calories are in butter chicken vs tikka masala? The answer depends on portion size, ingredients, and preparation method. Butter chicken tends to be higher in fat and calories due to its creamy, buttery sauce, while tikka masala is often lower in fat but higher in carbs, especially if sugar is added to the sauce.

If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, a homemade tikka masala (without cream) might be the better choice. However, if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, butter chicken (without naan or rice) could be a great alternative.

Regardless of your choice, portion control and ingredient swaps can make a big difference. Opt for Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, grilled chicken instead of fried, and olive oil instead of ghee to keep both dishes on the healthier side.

At the end of the day, both dishes are delicious and can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. So, whether you’re craving the buttery richness of butter chicken or the tangy spice of tikka masala, now you can make an informed choice based on your dietary goals!

Which is healthier, butter chicken or tikka masala?

It depends on what you consider “healthy.” Butter chicken is higher in fat and calories because of its rich butter and cream-based sauce. Tikka masala, on the other hand, is lower in fat but often higher in carbohydrates, especially if sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomato-based sauce.

If you’re watching fat intake, tikka masala (without added cream) may be the better choice. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, butter chicken (without naan or rice) might be preferable due to its higher fat and protein content.

To make either dish healthier, opt for Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, grilled chicken instead of pan-fried, and less butter or oil in the cooking process.

How many calories are in butter chicken?

A standard 250g serving of butter chicken contains 438 to 600 calories, depending on the recipe. Restaurant versions can go even higher, exceeding 800 calories per serving due to extra butter, ghee, and heavy cream.

If you make butter chicken at home, you can lower the calories by using low-fat yogurt instead of cream, reducing the butter or ghee, and grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it.

Is tikka masala high in calories?

Tikka masala is moderately high in calories, with a 250g serving typically ranging from 350 to 500 calories. However, some restaurant versions exceed 600 calories if they include extra cream, butter, or oil.

Although tikka masala is generally lower in fat than butter chicken, it can have more carbohydrates, especially if sugar is added to balance the tomato sauce. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider making it at home with less oil and no added sugar.

How many calories are in butter masala?

Butter masala, also known as paneer butter masala or chicken butter masala, is very similar to butter chicken but often includes paneer (Indian cottage cheese) instead of chicken. The calorie content varies:

• Chicken butter masala: 450–600 calories per serving (similar to butter chicken).
• Paneer butter masala: 350–550 calories per serving, depending on how much butter and cream is used.

Since paneer is high in fat, paneer butter masala can sometimes be higher in calories than chicken butter masala. To reduce calories, you can use tofu instead of paneer, limit the amount of butter, and swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt.